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Unit of study_

NURS5075: Expanding Practice in Mental Health

Semester 1, 2021 [Block mode] - Remote

The focus of this unit of study is to expand students’ mental health nursing practice by extending their repertoire of specialty knowledge and skills in relation to therapeutic approaches. The philosophical underpinnings, key principles and practical components of a range of therapeutic strategies, will be explored. Students will critically examine the evidence that provides the foundation for various therapeutic practices in the context of individual, family, or group work (for example psycho­education and solution focused approaches) and will consider the impacts of this evidence for personal practice. As part of expanding their mental health nursing practice, students will have the opportunity to further develop specialist knowledge and skills related to a specific therapeutic practice topic.

Unit details and rules

Unit code NURS5075
Academic unit Nursing and Midwifery
Credit points 6
Prohibitions
? 
None
Prerequisites
? 
None
Corequisites
? 
None
Assumed knowledge
? 

None

Available to study abroad and exchange students

No

Teaching staff

Coordinator Andrea McCloughen, andrea.mccloughen@sydney.edu.au
Type Description Weight Due Length
Assignment Assessment 1: Project proposal
Written assessment
0% Week 03
Due date: 17 Mar 2021 at 23:59
750 words
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO4
Assignment Assessment 2: Project evidence: annotated bibliography
Written assessment
40% Week 06
Due date: 14 Apr 2021 at 23:59
3000 words
Outcomes assessed: LO2 LO3 LO4
Assignment Assessment 3: Expanded practice project report
Written assessment
60% Week 13
Due date: 02 Jun 2021 at 23:59
As required
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4

Assessment summary

Project proposal: This assessment will support and prepare your learning within this unit and underpins assessment 2 and 3. Choose an approach to therapeutic practice that you would like to learn more about. This should be an area where you would like to expand your knowledge and skills for your own mental health nursing practice. Write a project proposal about the approach to therapeutic practice you would like to focus your learning on for the semester.

Project evidence - annotated bibliography: This assessment comprises of a collection of evidence to support elements of your project.You are required to search the published evidence, select relevant studies, critically appraise the evidence, and use the evidence to support your chosen therapeutic approach.

Expanded practice project report: This summative assessment is a comprehensive report of your expanding knowledge and skill and application of the chosen approach. The practice report will be a collection of information and evidence that demonstrates your learning and achievement in expanding your therapeutic practice capabilities in relation to the selected approach.

Detailed information for each assessment can be found on Canvas.

Assessment criteria

The University awards common result grades, set out in the Coursework Policy 2014 (Schedule 1).

As a general guide, a high distinction indicates work of an exceptional standard, a distinction a very high standard, a credit a good standard, and a pass an acceptable standard.

Result name

Mark range

Description

High distinction

85 - 100

When you demonstrate the learning outcomes at an exceptional standard, as defined by the marking rubrics for each assessment.

Distinction

75 - 84

When you demonstrate the learning outcomes at a very high standard, as defined by the marking rubrics for each assesment.

Credit

65 - 74

When you demonstrate the learning outcomes at a good standard, as defined by the marking rubrics for each assessment.

Pass

50 - 64

When you demonstrate the learning outcomes at an acceptable standard, as defined by marking rubrics for each assessment.

Fail

0 - 49

When you don’t meet the learning outcomes of the unit to a satisfactory standard.

For more information see sydney.edu.au/students/guide-to-grades.

For more information see guide to grades.

Late submission

In accordance with University policy, these penalties apply when written work is submitted after 11:59pm on the due date:

  • Deduction of 5% of the maximum mark for each calendar day after the due date.
  • After ten calendar days late, a mark of zero will be awarded.

Academic integrity

The Current Student website  provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. The University expects students and staff to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.  

We use similarity detection software to detect potential instances of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breach. If such matches indicate evidence of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breaches, your teacher is required to report your work for further investigation.

You may only use artificial intelligence and writing assistance tools in assessment tasks if you are permitted to by your unit coordinator, and if you do use them, you must also acknowledge this in your work, either in a footnote or an acknowledgement section.

Studiosity is permitted for postgraduate units unless otherwise indicated by the unit coordinator. The use of this service must be acknowledged in your submission.

Simple extensions

If you encounter a problem submitting your work on time, you may be able to apply for an extension of five calendar days through a simple extension.  The application process will be different depending on the type of assessment and extensions cannot be granted for some assessment types like exams.

Special consideration

If exceptional circumstances mean you can’t complete an assessment, you need consideration for a longer period of time, or if you have essential commitments which impact your performance in an assessment, you may be eligible for special consideration or special arrangements.

Special consideration applications will not be affected by a simple extension application.

Using AI responsibly

Co-created with students, AI in Education includes lots of helpful examples of how students use generative AI tools to support their learning. It explains how generative AI works, the different tools available and how to use them responsibly and productively.

WK Topic Learning activity Learning outcomes
Week -01 Familiarise yourself with eLearning site. Complete Activity 1 and Activity 2 and bring this work to Study Day 1. Commence preliminary work and scope of the literature for Assessment 1 and Assessment 2. Individual study (6 hr) LO1 LO2
Week 01 Undertake recommended readings. Continue preliminary work and scope of the literature for Assessment 1 and Assessment 2. Independent study (8 hr) LO1 LO2
Week 02 Study Day 1 (9 March 2021) and Study Day 2 (10 March 2021). Write Assessment 1 and continue scoping the evidence for Assessment 2. Block teaching (16 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3
Week 03 Submit Assessment 1 on Wednesday 17th March 2021. Undertake readings and continue work on Assessment 2. Independent study (8 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4
Week 04 Recommended readings. Complete evidence search and commence evaluation of the evidence for Assessment 2. Independent study (6 hr) LO1 LO4
Week 05 Complete and write up the evaluation of evidence for Assessment 2. Commence work/practice to support knowledge/skill development (Assessment 3). Independent study (8 hr) LO2 LO3 LO4
Week 06 Submit Assessment 2 on Wednesday 14th April 2021. Continue with recommended readings and individual study and work/practice to support knowledge and skill development (Assessment 3). Independent study (10 hr) LO2 LO3 LO4
Week 07 Continue with recommended readings and individual study and work/practice to support knowledge and skill development (Assessment 3). Independent study (8 hr) LO2 LO3 LO4
Week 08 Undertake Activity 3 in preparation for Study Day 4. Continue individual study and work/practice to support knowledge and skill development (Assessment 3). Independent study (8 hr) LO3 LO4
Week 09 On campus Study Day 3 (4 May 2021) and Study Day 4 (5 May 2021). Project Status update to be provided on Day 4. Continue individual study. Block teaching (15 hr) LO3 LO4
Week 10 Continue individual study and work/practice to support knowledge and skill development. Compile evidence of practice change and develop a strategy to meet any gaps (Assessment 3). Independent study (8 hr) LO3 LO4
Week 11 Continue individual study and work/practice to support knowledge and skill development. Continue to gather evidence of practice change and commence write-up of the project report (Assessment 3). Independent study (9 hr) LO3 LO4
Week 12 Continue individual study and work/practice to support knowledge and skill development. Complete the write up of the project report and compilation of evidence of practice change (Assessment 3). Independent study (9 hr) LO1 LO3 LO4
Week 13 Submit Assessment 3 on Wednesday 2nd June 2021. Independent study (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4

Attendance and class requirements

Attendance: Students undertaking this unit of study are required to participate in four remote (live) study days. These days will be delivered on-line via zoom in real time.

Reference Guidelines: We have adopted the American Psychological Association (APA) Referencing style, 6th Edition, 2010 as our official referencing style. This is an author-date style of referencing.

Study commitment

Typically, there is a minimum expectation of 1.5-2 hours of student effort per week per credit point for units of study offered over a full semester. For a 6 credit point unit, this equates to roughly 120-150 hours of student effort in total.

Required readings

There is no recommended text book for this unit of study.

Readings associated with this unit of study can be accessed through the Library eReserve, available on Canvas.

Learning outcomes are what students know, understand and are able to do on completion of a unit of study. They are aligned with the University's graduate qualities and are assessed as part of the curriculum.

At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:

  • LO1. evaluate the theoretical and philosophical underpinnings of specific therapeutic approaches utilised within mental health nursing practice
  • LO2. locate, critically examine, and identify relevant evidence to inform practice
  • LO3. apply evidence to develop a specific therapeutic approach to expand mental health nursing practice
  • LO4. enhance advanced mental health nursing knowledge and skills, specifically the development, planning, and provision of a range of evidence-informed therapeutic approaches relevant to the nursing practice setting.

Graduate qualities

The graduate qualities are the qualities and skills that all University of Sydney graduates must demonstrate on successful completion of an award course. As a future Sydney graduate, the set of qualities have been designed to equip you for the contemporary world.

GQ1 Depth of disciplinary expertise

Deep disciplinary expertise is the ability to integrate and rigorously apply knowledge, understanding and skills of a recognised discipline defined by scholarly activity, as well as familiarity with evolving practice of the discipline.

GQ2 Critical thinking and problem solving

Critical thinking and problem solving are the questioning of ideas, evidence and assumptions in order to propose and evaluate hypotheses or alternative arguments before formulating a conclusion or a solution to an identified problem.

GQ3 Oral and written communication

Effective communication, in both oral and written form, is the clear exchange of meaning in a manner that is appropriate to audience and context.

GQ4 Information and digital literacy

Information and digital literacy is the ability to locate, interpret, evaluate, manage, adapt, integrate, create and convey information using appropriate resources, tools and strategies.

GQ5 Inventiveness

Generating novel ideas and solutions.

GQ6 Cultural competence

Cultural Competence is the ability to actively, ethically, respectfully, and successfully engage across and between cultures. In the Australian context, this includes and celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, knowledge systems, and a mature understanding of contemporary issues.

GQ7 Interdisciplinary effectiveness

Interdisciplinary effectiveness is the integration and synthesis of multiple viewpoints and practices, working effectively across disciplinary boundaries.

GQ8 Integrated professional, ethical, and personal identity

An integrated professional, ethical and personal identity is understanding the interaction between one’s personal and professional selves in an ethical context.

GQ9 Influence

Engaging others in a process, idea or vision.

Outcome map

Learning outcomes Graduate qualities
GQ1 GQ2 GQ3 GQ4 GQ5 GQ6 GQ7 GQ8 GQ9

Alignment with Competency standards

Outcomes Competency standards
LO1
Standards of Practice for Australian Mental Health Nurses - ACMHN
Standard 4. The Mental Health Nurse collaboratively plans and provides ethically based care consistent with the mental, physical, spiritual, emotional, social and cultural needs of the individual.
Standard 9. The Mental Health Nurse holds specialist qualifications and demonstrates advanced specialist knowledge, skills, and practice, integrating all the Standards competently and modeling leadership in the practice setting.
LO2
Standards of Practice for Australian Mental Health Nurses - ACMHN
Standard 4. The Mental Health Nurse collaboratively plans and provides ethically based care consistent with the mental, physical, spiritual, emotional, social and cultural needs of the individual.
Standard 7. The Mental Health Nurse demonstrates evidence-based practice and actively promotes practice innovation through lifelong education, research, professional development, clinical supervision, and reflective practice.
Standard 8. The Mental Health Nurse’s practice incorporates and reflects common law requirements, relevant statutes and the nursing profession’s code of conduct and ethics. The Mental Health Nurse integrates international, national, local and state policies and guidelines with professional Standards and competencies.
LO3
Standards of Practice for Australian Mental Health Nurses - ACMHN
Standard 4. The Mental Health Nurse collaboratively plans and provides ethically based care consistent with the mental, physical, spiritual, emotional, social and cultural needs of the individual.
Standard 7. The Mental Health Nurse demonstrates evidence-based practice and actively promotes practice innovation through lifelong education, research, professional development, clinical supervision, and reflective practice.
Standard 8. The Mental Health Nurse’s practice incorporates and reflects common law requirements, relevant statutes and the nursing profession’s code of conduct and ethics. The Mental Health Nurse integrates international, national, local and state policies and guidelines with professional Standards and competencies.
LO4
Standards of Practice for Australian Mental Health Nurses - ACMHN
Standard 3. The Mental Health Nurse develops a therapeutic relationship that is respectful of the individual’s choices, experiences, and circumstances. This involves building on strengths, holding hope and enhancing resilience to promote recovery.
Standard 5. The Mental Health Nurse values the contributions of other agencies and stakeholders in the collaborative provision of holistic, evidence-based care and in ensuring comprehensive service provision for people with mental health issues.
Standard 6. The Mental Health Nurse actively pursues opportunities to reduce stigma and promotes social inclusion and community participation for all people with mental health issues.
Standard 9. The Mental Health Nurse holds specialist qualifications and demonstrates advanced specialist knowledge, skills, and practice, integrating all the Standards competently and modeling leadership in the practice setting.

This section outlines changes made to this unit following staff and student reviews.

This unit has been well evaluated by previous students and no changes have been made to this unit since it was last offered.

This unit will be delivered remote (live), which means study days are delivered online in real time.

More information related to this unit can be found on Canvas.

Work, health and safety

There are no specific WHS requirements for this unit.

Disclaimer

The University reserves the right to amend units of study or no longer offer certain units, including where there are low enrolment numbers.

To help you understand common terms that we use at the University, we offer an online glossary.